Offaly local authority inviting people to join in a celebration of nature

Offaly County Council and Offaly Libraries, are inviting the public to join a week-long celebration of nature during Biodiversity Week 2025 from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 25.

A packed schedule of free events offers something for all ages and interest. From wildflower walks and bird song at dawn, to bat spotting at dusk and engaging family activities at local libraries.

Highlights include:

Spring Flowers Walk at Tullamore Wetlands (Fri, May 16, 7PM)

• Dusk to Dawn Bird Chorus in Geashill (Tues/Wed, May 20–21, 9PM & 4.30AM)

•Geashill Bioblitz (Wed, May 21 – see Geashill Tidy Towns Facebook)

• Bat Walk in Geashill with Offaly Bat Group (Wed, May 21, 9PM – booking essential)

•Gardening for Biodiversity Talk at Clara Library (Thurs, May 22, 12PM)

• Swift & Swallow Ramble in Banagher (Fri, May 23, 7PM)

• Site Visit to Derrybrat Bog with Bord na Móna ecologist Dr Mark McCorry (Sat, May 24, 11AM–2PM)

Offaly Libraries are joining the celebrations with Puffin Rock activity books being distributed across branches, who will also be offering prizes for families who excel at the biodiversity scavenger hunt. Library branches in Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore will also host school visits for pupils to learn about and get close to native Irish birds of prey with Raven Haven Aviaries. Families will also be welcome to enjoy biodiversity-themed story times, craft sessions, and book displays throughout the week.

For full details and booking info, visit: https://biodiversityweek.ie/events-calendar/ or on Offaly Heritage and Offaly Libraries social media pages.

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All events are hosted with the supported by The Heritage Council and The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Creative Ireland, together with partners who include Geashill and Tullamore Tidy Towns Groups, Offaly Bat Group, Bord na Móna and more.